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JBL L82 Classic vs Klipsch RP-600M Comparison

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JBL L82 Classic

Passive Bookshelf | 44-40k Hz

JBL L82 Classic
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Klipsch RP-600M

Passive Bookshelf | 45-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M
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JBL L82 Classic JBL L82 Classic
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Klipsch RP-600M Klipsch RP-600M
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JBL L82 Classic
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Klipsch RP-600M
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JBL L82 Classic vs Klipsch RP-600M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing L82 Classic and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Klipsch.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL L82 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

JBL L82 Classic Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 8" Pulp Woofer
  • 44-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:25-125watts
  • Weight:12.80kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 472.8" x 11.0" x 12.4"( 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm )

Klipsch RP-600M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 45-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 96 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:7.30kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 399.0" x 7.9" x 11.8"( 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm )

What size room are the JBL L82 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M speakers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* JBL L82 Classic Klipsch RP-600M
Near-field Poor Average
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor Bad

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the JBL L82 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both L82 Classic and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.

Driver JBL L82 Classic Klipsch RP-600M
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 8-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

L82 Classic features a 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1700Hz. On the other hand, the RP-600M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.

Frequency Response

L82 Classic has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the L82 Classic can go slightly deeper then the RP-600M's min frequency of 45Hz.

Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

L82 Classic
RP-600M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

JBL L82 Classic
Klipsch RP-600M
Min
Average
Max

None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Impedance and Sensitivity

L82 Classic and RP-600M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. L82 Classic sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the RP-600M's is at 96 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL L82 Classic, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

L82 Classic
RP-600M
Min
Average
Max

Power Range

Power range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.

L82 Classic can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the L82 Classic.

Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.

Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring

RP-600M features Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. L82 Classic has a Five-way gold-plated binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

JBL L82 Classic Terminals
JBL L82 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals

Klipsch RP-600MDual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp Terminals
Klipsch RP-600M's Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Cabinet Type and Port Position

L82 Classic has a front firing port whereas RP-600M has a rear firing ports. JBL L82 Classic's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-600M with its rear-firing port.

Klipsch RP-600M  Port
Klipsch RP-600M Tractrix horn-shaped Port

Physical Specs

Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare JBL L82 Classic's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. JBL L82 Classic has external dimensions of 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm ( 18.6 x 11.0 x 12.4inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm ( 15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch) .

JBL L82 Classic is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 79mm wider, 73.8mm taller and 14.5mm deeper than Klipsch RP-600M.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL L82 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.

JBL L82 Classic vs Klipsch RP-600M Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of JBL L82 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M Size and External Dimensions

Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base surface area of the JBL L82 Classic is approximately 886.6cm2 / 137.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The L82 Classic requires 46% more surface area than the RP-600M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

Weight Comparison

The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The JBL L82 Classic weighs 12.80kg / 28.2lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the L82 Classic 75% heavier than the RP-600M.

Here is a comparison of how L82 Classic and RP-600M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
JBL L82 Classic
Klipsch RP-600M
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of JBL L82 Classic?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of L82 Classic:
  • Bookshelf loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Owner's Manual
  • What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-600M?

    Here are the items that come with the RP-600M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • 4 Terminal jumpers (installed)
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose JBL L82 Classic over Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M
    Max Input Power 125 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Woofer Size 8 inches vs 6.5 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 44 Hz vs 45 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 40k Hz vs 25k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Port Position Front vs Rear Gives more flexibility placing close to walls

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M over JBL L82 Classic

    Sensitivity 96 dB vs 88 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Height 399mm vs 472mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 608cm2 vs 886cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 369USD vs 2750USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    JBL L82 Classic vs Klipsch RP-600M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General JBL L82 Classic Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M
    Brand JBL Klipsch
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 25-125 watts up to 100 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 96 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 44-40k Hz 45-25k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 8" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Pulp Cerametallic
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Dome Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1700Hz 1500Hz
    Firing Direction front rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 472.8mm (18.6") 399.0mm (15.7")
    Width 281.0mm (11.1") 202.0mm (8")
    Depth 315.5mm (12.4") 301.0mm (11.9")
    Weight 12.80kg (28.2lbs) 7.30kg (16.1lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood veneer MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Walnut Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height 15.5" 22-26"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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